What is the best all around wood for building a box. Price is not a factor at all:)

blackbonnie

05-18-2007, 06:11 PM

people use alot of different things, but most people use MDF

Grinder1989

05-18-2007, 06:14 PM

I heard birch was a good material. I'm not going to stand behind that statement though because I've never heard a birch box. MDF is a good choice.

ballstothewall

05-18-2007, 06:16 PM

QUALITY Birch Ply.

dcole18

05-18-2007, 06:16 PM

teh birch... its lighter and stronger than MDF :fro:

rtillaree

05-18-2007, 06:18 PM

i just bought a few sheets of blondewood yesterday, going to try that out...anyone else ever mess with it?

profundus-sanus

05-18-2007, 07:45 PM

birch is probably the best thats fairly readily avaiable. Stiffer and lighter.

There is some better fiberboard out there, but i've never had any experience with it, only hearsay.

Fiberglass isn't a bad idea either.

mlstrass

05-19-2007, 01:26 AM

I prefer BB over MDF just for the dust factor alone and it seems easier to work with. Screws grab tighter, doesn't dent if dropped, etc...

lilmaniac2

05-19-2007, 01:28 AM

price isnt a factor 13 ply void free baltic birch ... not the HD/lowes stuff but the stuff they build furniture out of that is like 70 bucks a sheet

lookitsjim23

05-19-2007, 01:29 AM

i like birch for the weight factor..you can even double baffle and still not worry about how heavy it is

MikeNeufeld

05-19-2007, 01:34 AM

what about using a standard clear pine 3/4" plywood...

helotaxi

05-19-2007, 08:42 AM

^^^That stuff *****. Lots of knot voids in the plys. Makes for an enclosure that rings like a bell.

bjfish11

05-19-2007, 10:04 AM

Can I throw Trupan in the mix? Almost as light as Birch and a hari cheaper. But its till dusty like MDF.

Immacomputer

05-19-2007, 04:12 PM

i just bought a few sheets of blondewood yesterday, going to try that out...anyone else ever mess with it?

Yes, I'm making a desk out of blondewood right now. It's not as strong as birch or MDF but is pretty light. The inner ply is cheap and ghetto as well. There are tons of holes and inconsistencies throughout the wood. I would HIGHLY recommend NOT using it for enclosures.

I chose to use it for a desk because it looks nice and was cheaper than birch.

crfracer290

05-20-2007, 03:00 AM

What about oak?

CRAZYCORNUTS18

05-20-2007, 03:08 AM

like stated before its either birch ply or glassed

PV Audio

05-20-2007, 10:52 AM

The best all around material that can cost anything is a contradictory sentence :D

The best all around material for building would be MDF, 3/4". It's strong, dense, cuts easily, and is the best value for the amount you get.

The best around overall would have to be baltic birch, 13 ply though. If you're in a store and it looks expensive, then it probably isn't baltic birch. You have to go to a high quality lumberyard or cabinetry business, and is usually around 60-80 per sheet (not 4x8 either). It cuts like a chainsaw through butter, holds like grandma and looks beautiful when finished.

Immacomputer

05-20-2007, 11:30 AM

I have yet to have any form of birch cut easier than MDF. I hate how I keep reading that everywhere; it really makes me fell ripped off. It does cut nice but I've had some MDF that slid through the table saw like it was already cut -- no strain on the motor and no hold ups at all. And yes, I've used the $65 5x5 sheet of 13 ply, no void, baltic birch.

PV Audio

05-20-2007, 03:09 PM

MDF does cut easily, but if done correctly, plywood is smooth sailing throughout. It also routes cleaner as well. But note: I only use birch for home audio purposes.

skinnymofo

05-20-2007, 03:34 PM

anyone tried bamboo? its prpetty **** strong and fairly light, but around here atleast, it only comes in strips and not sheets

PV Audio

05-20-2007, 03:35 PM

Bamboo. Are you ****ing kidding? We're not making rafts here; this is enclosure construction.

'nother vote for Trupan here. BB is great too but I think Trupan mills easier.

skinnymofo

05-20-2007, 07:15 PM

i was talking bamboo plank. which i have seen in 1" thick 12x8 planks just like regular carpentry/woodworking material.
it would be a fair amount of work glueing it all together and whatnot then cutting it down and or planing and whatever.
i just like woodworking and using unusual materials to build things :/

PV Audio

05-20-2007, 09:09 PM

Then I apologize, I thought you meant taking bamboo flooring which is like 3" wide.

fwb_1234

05-20-2007, 11:34 PM

Then I apologize, I thought you meant taking bamboo flooring which is like 3" wide.

lol at that.

I was also thinking bamboo flooring, which, on second thought, might be a wonderful covering for an MDF box.

Immacomputer

05-21-2007, 06:34 PM

MDF does cut easily, but if done correctly, plywood is smooth sailing throughout. It also routes cleaner as well. But note: I only use birch for home audio purposes.

Explain, "done correctly" please. I've tried it cutting against and with the grain and it's never as easy as the dark MDF that Home Depot usually carries. The lighter MDF doesn't cut as nicely as the dark but it still cuts easier than MDF. Birch does route easier though.

PV Audio

05-21-2007, 07:30 PM

Explain, "done correctly" please. I've tried it cutting against and with the grain and it's never as easy as the dark MDF that Home Depot usually carries. The lighter MDF doesn't cut as nicely as the dark but it still cuts easier than MDF. Birch does route easier though.Done correctly means having the proper blade teeth and height. Otherwise, you can burn the wood or chip the veneer.

jeremiah

05-21-2007, 07:43 PM

the best is 1 1/8" flooring I love it
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa157/mj-18/052107_17132.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa157/mj-18/052107_17131.jpg

ballstothewall

05-21-2007, 10:25 PM

What about oak?

Do you mean solid Oak? It takes to much time to make a box out of a solid hardwood unless your making a nice quality looking home audio box.

Immacomputer

05-21-2007, 11:45 PM

Done correctly means having the proper blade teeth and height. Otherwise, you can burn the wood or chip the veneer.

No chipping, no burning, and a brand new blade. The same day I was cutting up two different types of birch, I was also cutting the MDF. I'm not sure of the teeth though as my friend bought the blade. We had the height set to about 1 1/8" or so if I recall correctly. Cutting the MDF on the saw was like cutting through 1/8" cardboard -- I've never felt anything go through so smooth. This also includes some 1/8" masonite and 1x3 pine cleats.

bjfish11

05-21-2007, 11:50 PM

On another forum, I have been told Oak plywood is the best option.... :crazy: